Wednesday, April 16, 2008

2005 Merus. In case you don't already know, this is the schnizzle. It is dark and brooding with explosive black and red fruits of currant black berry, black cherry, and black plums. It has super length and incredible mouth feel. Wow. 97/100

2005 MaybachMaterium, I had commented about this from last nights open house below.

2005 Outpost 'True Vineyard' Cabernet Sauvignon Howell Mountain, This was one of my surprises of the day; intense, dark, and layered with red fruits this was fragrant and lovely. 92/100

2005 Outpost Cabernet SauvignonHowell Mountain, if there are stillqprs in Napa, one must be willing to pay$50-$60 for them. Here is one: Elegant and smooth full of blackberries and cassis. Bright and stellar. 90/100

2006 Arnot-Roberts Syrah Adler Springs. This had wonderful structure, blueberries & crushed pebbles. Fragrant and not over the top. I like what was done with this. 92/100

2005 Arnot-Roberts Cabernet SauvignonBugay, Sonoma County. I like this one this year better than the Clajeux (formerly wild iris). It had pure red black and blue fruits with a wonderful balance of acid and tannins. The tannins were finely meshed and well integrated. 90/100

2006 Arnot-Roberts Syrah Hudson. 6 months more barrel time than last years Hudson, this is a brute of a wine that needs time in the bottle to show its full self. Its super concentrated and tightly knit. This reminds me of a classic Cote Rotie 92/100

2005 K Vintners Syrah Morrison Lane, Walla Walla. A beautiful example of whats going on in Walla Walla. Great nose of candy and spice with some smokey dark blue berries and a wonderful acid level. Tannins in check, this is surely a pleaser. 93/100

2006 K Vintners SyrahMillbrandt, Walla Walla. Candy cane and gummi bears; this is a real 'fun' Syrah to behold. Full and fleshy, it is somewhat similar to the Morrison, but more in your face, where the Morrison is a bit more restrained....just a bit. 93/100

2005 K Vintners Ovide, Walla Walla. 67% Cabernet and 33% Syrah. This is a very interesting and serious wine for sure. Its structured like a cab, but explodes like a syrah. Dark fruited of cassis with stones, tar, and coffee, this is full throttle but precise. 94/100

2005 Wolf Family Cabernet Franc (3% CS). Pretty and exact, this Cab Franc delivers elegance and full flavor. I am usually not a fan of Cab Franc alone, but this made me a believer. 93/100

2006 Sineann Cabernet Sauvignon Baby Poux Vineyard Columbia Valley. Floral notes on the nose, this is bright red fruited with gobbs of youth and promise. Red Currant with tar, cedar and cocoa, this is pretty and feminine, but no light weight. 93.5/100

2005 Realm Bard. One not tasted at the NY open house, this is pure and elegant with smooth tannins. Medium weighted and intense. Glad to get the 'behind the table' try from Wendell 92/100

2005 LarkmeadFirebelleMeritageNapa. Beautiful soft tannins with great reddish fruits. The Merlot carries this forward while the Cab gives structure. Tar and cocoa with a nice long finish. Great QPR 90/100

2006 Hardin Cabernet SauvignonNapa. Good balance and pure easy ab stlewillmake this a crowd pleaser, even for the uninitiated cab drinkers. Good QPR. 89+/100

2006 Arietta Quartet (barrel) Great balance and structure. Deep red fruit of cherries and raspberries. Great nose and length. 92

2006 Arietta Cabernet Sauvignon, (barrel), Dark pure cab profile with great fresh vibrant cassis and dark cherry. Wonderful balance and super fine tannins. This will be a stunner. From a two barrel selection. 92

2004 Crocker & Starr Stone Place Cabernet Sauvignon, dark color with a real pretty fruit profile. A bit understated, but still regal. Should be something very nice in about 5 years. 90

2006 Kunin Zinfandel Westside Paso Robles, Medium dark color and great berries on the nose, some tat and soy. I really enjoy this elegant and reserved of Zinfandel. Great job. 90

2005 Gemstone Facets- a sweet fruit profile detracts somewhat from this years offering. A great interweaved tannin structure and decent acid level. I enjoyed the Gemstone better this year, and the Facets better last year. 89

2005 Altus Cabernet Sauvignon (Merus 2nd label), This had nice pure elegant fruits of cassis, blackberry, and dark plum. Its elegant and pure, and very soft textured. Elegance but made in the ‘early drinking’ style. Merus’ little sister. 90

2006 PAX Syrah Obsidian Knights Valley, Big and brutish. This had wonderful meat, pepper, and blueberries pie that is a very in your face style of Cali syrah PAX is known for. Deep and concentrated, this needs a night to study. 91

Some notable sites

disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed on these pages are strictly those of the author. The contents of these pages have not been reviewed or approved by any wine professional either alive or dead. All of these thoughts and ponderings should be taken with a grain of salt.Because...hey, it's only wine!